Congenital Spinal Dermal Sinuses Long-Term Analysis at King Hussein Medical Center

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the corresponding variables: age, sex, the reason for consultation, clinical manifestations, location, methods of diagnosis, time of surgery, type of surgery, histological diagnosis, the presence of infection and subsequent evolution, with baseline comparison of our findings to those reported in the literature. Methods: A retrospective analysis carried out of the medical records of all the patients presented with spinal dermal sinuses cases treated surgically in our setup over a period of 10-years. From January 2005 to January 2015, at King Hussein Medical Center. The mean follow up was 87 months (14-109 months). Results: The study group included 53 consecutive patients who were managed in a single center. Male : female ratio was 28:25. Mean age was 3.4 years, ranging from one month to 15 years. The mean follow up was 87 months (14-109 months). Anatomically the majority of the treated sinuses occurred in lumbar region 37-cases, representing 69.8 % of cases. 83% progressed satisfactorily. Conclusion: Spinal dermal sinuses are a rare entity that may progress to a serious neurological condition. Early detection and management have good outcomes. The Paediatrician has a crucial role in diagnosis. Surgery aims to excise the sinus tract completely, excisable skin tags, and correct the dysraphic state in the same setting.